Coronavirus

Due to the updated guidance from the UK Government and National Youth Agency (NYA), face-to-face activities are beginning to resume. A number of updates have been made, including the new ‘Readiness Level’ which dictates the risk of coronavirus transmission, and what activities can be completed as a result of this.

Go to ‘Getting everyone back together safely’ on Scouts UK >

Remember, no face to face activities can proceed without your risk assessment being submitted and approved.

Support from Team Wansdyke

Please bear with us if you do need support, as many of the team are currently balancing large workloads as well as their carrying out their Scouting role.

The district team are still working to support you where you need it. Please don’t hesitate to contact the relevant person with any queries.

Support from Scouts UK

UK headquarters are also operating with a reduced staff team, but are continuing to offer key services including the Scout Information Centre (web-chat and email only), Scout Stores (online orders only), and Safeguarding.

For full information on support available from UK headquarters, head to the Coronavirus guidance and FAQs webpage.

Systems Support

Scouts UK have teamed up with Zoom to give each Scout Group and Explorer Unit a free Pro account. GSLs and ESLs will have received an email from HQ with instructions on how to register.

Remember, there is only one account available per group/unit, so ensure the person registering is happy to administrate the account.

Wansdyke Cloud is also available free to all volunteers. It provides email, file storage, online apps and video conferencing through Google Suite. Register here.

Scouting at home

Many resources have been created to support you in delivering an online programme.

The South West England counties have come together to produce a hub of programme ideas. You can view it on the Somerset Scouts website.

Scouts UK has produced ‘The Great Indoors’ with literally hundreds of activities ready to use! View it on the national website. You can also view our page on activity ideas for help.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to delivering an online programme, check out the ‘Taking Scouts Online‘ page, with information and guidance about virtual Scouting.

Online Scout Manager has also released ‘Badges at Home’ and ‘Programme at Home’. Check out their Vimeo channel for explainer videos.

Video Guides and Webinars

We’re working to bring you interactive content to help you learn about new ways of delivering a virtual programme, and other training opportunities.

You can view the recordings of past webinars below.

• How to deliver Scouts online – Scouts UK
• Hampshire Scouts have a variety of webinars
• How to run a virtual meeting on Zoom – Scouts UK and Barclays Digital Eagles (password: 8I%7de#9)

Mental Health Support

For many of us this is an incredibly difficult and worrying time. It’s important that we look after our mental and physical health and stay safe. Staying connected through Scouts at home is a great way to do this. Our members have told us that carrying on Scouting has given them focus, purpose, and a much needed distraction.

There is also lots of other support out there for those who need it. We’ve pulled together some links that we think will be helpful for both adults and young people who may be looking for more information, struggling or facing difficult situations.

• Information for volunteers from Scouts UK
• NSPPC’s Childline – free confidential support and advice for young people
• Prevention of young suicide
• On My Mind – support for young people
• YoungMinds – mental health support for young people
• NHS Children and young people’s mental health service
• NSPCC support for parents/carers and coronavirus
• Urgent mental health help
• Samaritans – support for adults and young people